Shearer says forget Tottenham, this is Arsenal's time

Alan Shearer has told The Sun that with rivals in disarray, the Premier League title is Arsenal's to lose.

Reigning champions Chelsea are struggling, just on point above the relegation zone, sacking Jose Mourinho this week, and a new winner is bound to be crowned in May.

Leicester City currently top the league, but Shearer does not believe they are capable of finishing first, and believes the stability at Arsenal as opposed to consistency of their rivals will give them an edge.

He also discounted the challenge of Tottenham after their loss to Newcastle last week.

He said: "Tottenham looked like an outside bet for a time but two points from the last nine means all bets are off again.

"Arsenal, this is your time. There will not be a better opportunity with what is going on elsewhere — and they need to take it."

The bookies feel that it is Manchester City who remain the favourites, listed as 11/8 on by SkyBet. Arsenal are close second favourites at 5/4.

Manchester United are way back at 9/1, with Leicester 20/1, Liverpool 22/1, and Tottenham back at 22/1. Chelsea are as far out as 150/1.

Tottenham have made real progression this season, looking like an improved side defensively, with different elements to their game in midifeld thanks to the breakthrough of Eric Dier and step up from Mousa Dembele.

It would be a nightmare or bittersweet scenario for Spurs fans if their progression this season, accentuated by a top four finish - is ruined by seeing their rivals Arsenal win the title, but the way the chips are falling, this is a very real possibility.

Dan Coombs

Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.
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